Africa now "global epicentre" of terrorism: UN chief

Africa has become the global epicentre of terrorism, affecting millions across the continent. As APA reports with reference to TASS, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated this at a meeting dedicated to the UN Global Compact on Counter-Terrorism.

Guterres noted that the terrorist threat persists in many African countries, including Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mozambique. “The danger is quickly spreading to coastal countries, such as Benin and Togo. The alarming trend is obvious. <...> In every case, civilians are paying the highest price and, in the end, all of humanity pays. Terrorism is a full-scale attack on civilization itself,” - Guterres is convinced.

The UN chief believes that the world community must urgently take action, first of all, to promote the development of the African continent and the observance of human rights there. “Isolation, inequality, limited access to education, lack of career opportunities, undermined trust in government, institutions and the law, violation of human rights and a sense of impunity create the conditions for the spread of terrorism. We must break this vicious circle,” he insisted.

The Secretary General emphasized that Africa had enormous potential, but it could only be realized if terrorism is defeated.